Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for his positive comments. The schemes we are discussing have been transformative. The 4,000 approvals under the first home scheme and the upping of the targets for the vacant property refurbishment grant from 2,000 to 4,000 show the scale of demand for those schemes. We want to see our ambition realised. We have been losing the vernacular buildings dotted all over the country, which form part of the heritage of our towns and villages, at a rote of knots up to now. These grants mean families can see a channel of affordability in restoring such buildings. A constituent told me yesterday that having been unable to afford a farmhouse restoration project before a grant was available, the property is now restored.

We will continue to review the schemes. The Minister is committed to ensuring the ambition set out in Housing for All is met. Added to that, we want to see an architectural conservation officer in place in every local authority. The support and advice they can offer is really important. I thank the Senator for raising this Commencement matter. It is important that we continue to review and evaluate the success and efficacy of these schemes.